Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Monday that Donaldson (calf) will pick up at-bats as the team's designated hitter in major or minor league games within the next few days, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donaldson has battled a right calf strain for nearly a month, which has prompted the Blue Jays to ease him back into action as Opening Day approaches. He has yet to make his debut in Grapefruit League play, but it sounds like that could happen by the end of the week. If the at-bats as DH go well, Donaldson's next step would be to resume his normal duties at third base, but he's seemingly on track to do that before the regular season begins.

Donaldson (calf) is expected to play spring games in seven to 10 days, likely starting off as a designated hitter, according to manager John Gibbons, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The stud third baseman probably won't need many at-bats to convince Toronto that he's ready for the season, though fantasy players who spend a first- or second-round mixed league pick on him would like to see Donaldson take some reps that count.

According to his manager, Donaldson is "moving around pretty good" and not far off from making his spring debut, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donaldson has been hitting outside, long tossing and taking ground balls, but must try running before playing in Grapefruit League games. That hasn't happened yet, but the Jays are encouraged by the third baseman's progress. At this point, his status for Opening Day doesn't appear to be a concern.

Donaldson (calf) says he is "very happy" with his progression from a calf strain and "way better" than last week, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet Canada reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's great news to hear Donaldson talk positively about his recovery. The three-time All-Star has been gradually increasing his workload throughout camp and will likely aim to begin running within the coming week. "The fact is we're trying to give it some time to heal up and make sure we're not rushing it at this point," he said. There's still plenty of spring left, so expect Donaldson to receive ample Grapefruit League playing time upon his return.

Donaldson (calf) took groundballs Wednesday and participated in batting practice earlier in the week, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran's workouts are encouraging and say that he may not be sidelined much longer. The stud probably can get by with only a few weeks of spring action to mold himself into game shape. Unless something changes before draft day, Donaldson will remain a first-round candidate in mixed fantasy drafts.

Donaldson (calf) felt good after taking batting practice Tuesday but doesn't have a specific date in mind for his return to game action, the Toronto Star's Laura Armstrong reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is encouraging that Donaldson is hitting without reporting any setbacks, and it is also not surprising that he will remain out of game action in the short term. There is still plenty of camp remaining for a veteran of his ilk to get up to speed.

Donaldson (calf) played catch and took batting practice in a cage Friday, John Lott of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donaldson reportedly still has a hitch in his gait, but says he "feels good." The three-time All-Star has been steadily progressing since straining his calf while running the bases last week. Expect him to return to game action in early-to-mid March, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

Donaldson is progressing as expected in his recovery from a strained calf, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donaldson will still need some time to get back to 100 percent, but he has not encountered any setbacks on his road to recovery, so his 2-to-3 week return timetable remains as-is. It has been nearly a week since Donaldson injured his calf, so as long as his health continues to improve, he should be ready to make his spring debut at some point in early-to-mid March.

Donaldson (calf) announced on Sunday that he expects to miss two or three weeks of spring training due to his recent calf strain, John Lott of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donaldson tweaked his calf while running on Friday, but the general perception around camp was that the injury wasn't too serious. The Blue Jays will likely take a very cautious approach to the injury, and that could explain the two to three week timetable. It appears that Donaldson expects to be ready for Opening Day, but the situation is worth monitoring.

Donaldson received his MRI results Saturday and they revealed he has a strained right calf.

EDGE Analysis

He felt a small tweak in his calf earlier Saturday, and although the Blue Jays were never really worried, the MRI was precautionary. He dealt with a similar injury at the beginning of last year and didn't miss any time due to it, and it seems the same will be true him this time around. He'll be treated and evaluated daily, but he's expected to be ready to start the season.